5 Tips To Extend Your AC Unit’s Functional Lifespan

Bloomington residents count on the proper function of their HVAC system to keep their interior spaces comfortable. But when the air flow is consistent, it can be easy to forget about these systems — including the maintenance required to keep them in tip-top shape for year-round use. The average life of air conditioner systems range from 12-15 years, if well maintained — to get the most out of your ac system and delay the need for system replacement, consider the following tips from Bloomington Heating & Air. For more information about how to extend the lifespan of your cooling system or to schedule services with our ac repair company, contact us!

By utilizing the following tips, your cooling system is more likely to function properly and maintain your family’s designated level of indoor comfort. Contact us to learn more about our HVAC products that help your heating and cooling system function optimally!

1. Make Space Around The AC

Among the detriments to an A/C’s functional lifespan is congestion due to a lack of space around the system as well as built-up debris that clogs the unit’s vents. Your cooling system functions at its best when there are at least 24 inches of clear space around it. Make a habit of clearing out any leaves, tall grasses, shrubs, or any other objects which inhibit ventilation from the unit. This will help the system function as intended and relieve any added stress to the unit.

2. Use Home Appliances Strategically

Hot air from the outdoors isn’t the only factor which your residential cooling system combats — home appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers, also produce high heat within the home. Use strategically any home appliances that produce heat in the home. Otherwise, using heat-producing home appliances — when the air conditioner is already working to combat outdoor conditions — can cause the system to run overtime, become susceptible to break down, and thereafter require an HVAC repair. Use these appliances is either during the early morning hours or late night hours to help extend the life of your ac unit.

3. Change The Air Filters

Air filters absorb a wide range of airborne contaminants, such as dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris that exacerbate allergies and promote respiratory issues. When it comes to ac repairs, changing the air filters will not only help improve your home’s indoor air quality, but it will also help prevent your cooling system from having to work overtime in order to meet your requirements for indoor comfort. Depending on the type of unit in your home, the air filter can require replacement each month or multiple times per year — our HVAC technicians can inspect your system and help you identify a schedule for air filter replacement.

4. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

The key to improving long-term efficiency and extending the life of your AC unit is preventative, professional HVAC maintenance tune-ups. The A/C part of a residential HVAC system is responsible for keeping interior spaces cool and comfortable when the summer heat arrives. But without regular, planned HVAC maintenance, cooling systems can quickly fall prey to decreased longevity, diminished efficiency, and a shorter overall lifespan. Our technicians will clean and inspect the coils; remove any debris from blowers and fans; assess the refrigerant; inspect the fan belts; and lubricate the motors; among other system check-ups. Bloomington Heating & Air services all types of popular residential units and can help you ensure that your system functions as it should. Contact us to schedule HVAC services today!

5. Pay Attention To Home Interiors

In addition to keeping an eye on the use of heat-producing home appliances and inspecting the area around the unit to ensure its free to debris, the way you decorate your home’s interiors can also serve as a tool for promoting longevity of your cooling system. Residential properties which feature multiple, large windows can benefit from sun-blocking blinds and shades to help reduce the amount of heat transferred from the outdoors into the home. In addition, be sure to keep open the home’s interior doors to help promote balances airflow throughout the entire hours. These small adjustments can help improve system efficiency by preventing your AC from working overtime to meet the required indoor cooling demands.